Barriers to Entry

Lets face it, despite all the bogus and empty promises out there, the American Dream is a myth. Even those who put in tremendous work and dedication are inherently at a disadvantage, never reaping benefit equal to those in upper end of the stratification system. For many, the American Dream “starts with a highbrow internship that pays $4.35 an hour—then another, and maybe another.” (Seligson, 2013). Those who suffer from the effects of wealth inequality face numerous challenges, as they often cannot afford the cost of entry and are unable to break into the most competitive job industries. Although an individual may be qualified for a certain position, they are frequently denied for a lack credentials from internship experience. Unfortunately, we are not operating in a world that fairly “rewards individual aspiration and persistence” (Seligson, 2013). For this reason, accomplished young people are forced to take on mediocre entry-level jobs that will never amount to anything of prestige.